Ted Danson's Wife: Who Is She?

# Who is Ted Danson's Wife? A Look at His Marriage and Career

Ted Danson, the beloved actor known for his roles in "Cheers," "CSI," and "The Good Place," has had a long and successful career. But what about his personal life? Many fans are curious about his current wife and his past relationships. This article will delve into Ted Danson's marital history, focusing on his current wife, Mary Steenburgen, and their relationship, while also briefly touching upon his previous marriages.

## How Long Has Ted Danson Been Married to Mary Steenburgen?

Ted Danson has been married to actress Mary Steenburgen since October 7, 1995. This makes their marriage over 28 years long, a testament to their strong bond and commitment. Their relationship is often cited as a Hollywood success story, proving that lasting love is possible even in the entertainment industry.

### The Beginning of Their Love Story

Danson and Steenburgen met on the set of the film "Pontiac Moon" in 1993. At the time, both were divorced and navigating life as single parents. They quickly developed a connection, bonding over their shared experiences and senses of humor. In various interviews, they have described their meeting as love at first sight, with Danson admitting he was smitten from the moment he saw Steenburgen.

### What Makes Their Relationship Work?

Several factors contribute to the longevity and success of Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen's marriage:

*   **Shared Values:** Both Danson and Steenburgen prioritize family, honesty, and communication in their relationship.
*   **Mutual Respect and Admiration:** They openly express their admiration for each other's talents and accomplishments, both professionally and personally.
*   **Sense of Humor:** Their shared sense of humor keeps their relationship lighthearted and fun. They often joke about each other in interviews and seem to genuinely enjoy each other's company.
*   **Individual Identities:** While they are a strong couple, they also maintain their individual identities and pursue their own interests and careers.
*   **Commitment and Effort:** They are both committed to making their marriage work and put in the necessary effort to nurture their relationship.

## Who is Mary Steenburgen?

Mary Nell Steenburgen is an American actress, comedian, singer, and songwriter. She was born on February 8, 1953, in Newport, Arkansas. Steenburgen has had a distinguished career, winning an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She is known for her roles in films such as "Melvin and Howard" (1980), "Ragtime" (1981), "Parenthood" (1989), "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993), and "Elf" (2003). She has also starred in numerous television series, including "Ink," "Joan of Arcadia," and "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist."

### Steenburgen's Career Highlights

Steenburgen's career is marked by her versatility and talent. She has seamlessly transitioned between comedic and dramatic roles, earning critical acclaim for her performances. Some of her notable achievements include:

*   **Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress:** For her role in "Melvin and Howard" (1980).
*   **Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film:** For her role in "Joan of Arcadia" (2003).
*   **Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture:** For "The Help" (2011).
*   **Songwriting Credits:** Steenburgen is also a talented songwriter, having written songs for films and television shows. She even co-wrote a song with her husband, Ted Danson, for the film "Finch" (2021).

### Steenburgen's Philanthropic Work

Beyond her acting career, Mary Steenburgen is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors. She is a passionate advocate for various causes, including:

*   **Environmental Conservation:** Steenburgen is a vocal supporter of environmental protection and sustainability.
*   **Social Justice:** She actively participates in initiatives promoting social justice and equality.
*   **Arts Education:** Steenburgen believes in the importance of arts education and supports programs that provide access to the arts for young people.

## Ted Danson's Previous Marriages

Before marrying Mary Steenburgen, Ted Danson was married twice. While his current marriage is a long-lasting success story, it's important to acknowledge his past relationships to provide a complete picture of his personal life.

### First Marriage: Carrie Duncan

Danson's first marriage was to Carrie Duncan, whom he met in college. They married in 1970 and divorced in 1975. Not much is publicly known about this early relationship, as it occurred before Danson achieved mainstream fame.

### Second Marriage: Cassandra Coates

Danson's second marriage was to Cassandra Coates, a production designer. They married in 1977 and had two daughters, Alexis and Lily. During their marriage, Coates suffered a stroke while giving birth to their daughter Lily, resulting in lasting neurological damage. Danson took a break from his career to care for Coates and their children. They divorced in 1993 after a lengthy and difficult period.

## Ted Danson's Children

Ted Danson has three children:

*   **Alexis Danson:** Danson's eldest daughter, Alexis, was adopted during his marriage to Cassandra Coates.
*   **Lily Danson:** Lily is Danson's biological daughter with Cassandra Coates.
*   **Kate Danson:** Kate is Mary Steenburgen's daughter from her previous marriage to Malcolm McDowell. Danson considers Kate to be one of his own children and has a close relationship with her.

Danson is known to be a devoted father, and his children have often spoken about his support and love. He has successfully blended his family, creating a close-knit and supportive environment.

## FAQ About Ted Danson and His Wife

**1. How did Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen meet?**

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen met on the set of the film "Pontiac Moon" in 1993. They quickly developed a connection and began dating.

**2. When did Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen get married?**

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen got married on October 7, 1995.

**3. How long have Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen been married?**

As of today, they have been married for over 28 years.

**4. What are some of Mary Steenburgen's notable acting roles?**

Mary Steenburgen is known for her roles in films such as "Melvin and Howard," "Ragtime," "Parenthood," "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," and "Elf." She has also starred in numerous television series, including "Ink," "Joan of Arcadia," and "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist."

**5. How many children does Ted Danson have?**

Ted Danson has three children: Alexis, Lily, and Kate (Mary Steenburgen's daughter from a previous marriage, whom he considers his own).

**6. What is the secret to Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen's long-lasting marriage?**

Their long-lasting marriage is attributed to shared values, mutual respect and admiration, a sense of humor, maintaining individual identities, and a commitment to putting in the effort to nurture their relationship.

## Conclusion

Ted Danson's marriage to Mary Steenburgen is a heartwarming example of lasting love in Hollywood. Their relationship, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a healthy dose of humor, has stood the test of time. While Danson's past relationships provide context to his personal life, his current marriage is a testament to his commitment and capacity for love. Mary Steenburgen, an accomplished actress and philanthropist in her own right, is clearly a perfect match for Danson, and their enduring partnership continues to inspire fans around the world.